The comic book industry is no stranger to controversy, angry readers or calls for boycotts, especially where superheroes are concerned. But the latest imbroglio, involving the Man of Steel no less, is a backlash unlike anything fans have seen before.

At the heart of the controversy is famed science-fiction author Orson Scott Card. Card is well known for writing the classic sci-fi novel"Ender's Game," which has been made into a movie starring Harrison Ford that will be in theaters in November.

Card is also an outspoken opponent of gay marriage and homosexuality in general. He is a board member of the National Organization for Marriage, which lobbies to prevent the legalization of same-sex marriage. He once called being gay a "reproductive dysfunction," has attempted to link homosexuality to childhood molestation and once suggested that the government should be overthrown rather than allow gay and lesbian couples to marry:

How long before married people answer the dictators thus: Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn.

Card also occasionally writes comics books (he wrote a number of issues of "Ultimate Iron Man" for Marvel), and was one of several authors picked by DC Comics to write for DC Comics' upcoming, digital-first "Adventures of Superman" anthology series.

Now, artist Chris Sprouse, who was supposed to illustrate Card's story, has left the book:

"It took a lot of thought to come to this conclusion, but I've decided to step back as the artist on this story," Sprouse said in a statement released Tuesday. "The media surrounding this story reached the point where it took away from the actual work, and that's something I wasn't comfortable with. My relationship with DC Comics remains as strong as ever and I look forward to my next project with them."

Related Stories

Featured Story

Get 'Today's Front Page' in your inbox

This newsletter is sent every morning at 6 a.m. and includes the morning's top stories, a full list of obituaries, links to comics and puzzles and the most recent news, sports and entertainment headlines.

optionalCheck here if you do not want to receive additional email offers and information.See our privacy policy

Thank you for signing up for 'Today's Front Page'

To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please click here.